Singapore

Overview

Despite its tiny size there’s a lot packed into this city-state besides the infamous Singapore Sling at Raffles and shopping at Orchard Road.

The 710 square kilometre nation of Singapore comprises the main island of Singapore plus 63 surrounding islets, including forest reserves, marshes and other green areas.

Despite its compact size, there’s a lot packed into this city-state. Aside from the well-known Orchard Road and Singapore Zoo, venture out and discover a Singapore you might not otherwise know about.

Shop around Haji Lane for quirky boutique shopping, spend a day on Sentosa Island for its theme parks and beaches, or simply wander the cultural neighbourhoods to take in Singapore’s multicultural heritage. There’s so much to see and do.

Where to go

Explore the cultural precincts and local neighbourhoods for strangely unique and wonderfully diverse experiences.

Chinatown and Downtown Singapore

South of the river lies Singapore's Chinatown and Downtown districts.

Compact Chinatown is characterised by its historic narrow shop houses built in the 1840s. Although it’s now dwarfed by the neighbouring skyscrapers of the CBD, it’s worth wandering the streets to get a glimpse of its former history and a taste of its present day busy exoticism - with herbal medicine shops, long standing businesses, Chinese temples and food markets.

The rise of trendy eateries along Keong Saik Road and Club Street have revived the area and are establishing it as a hip alternative to the traditional nightlife hotspots of Clarke QuayOpens external site in a new window and Boat Quay.

The Civic (downtown) district showcases some of the country’s most historic buildings that have been restored and given a new lease of life. There’s the Arts House built in 1827 which was formerly Singapore’s Old Parliament House, the Asian Civilisation Museum with its original neo-classical architecture or the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall that was built in 1862.

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Little India and Kampong Glam

Predominantly Hindu, Little India was once a camp for Indian convict workers and was later used for breeding cattle, because of its pasture and access to water. A wander down Serangoon Road and its small side streets now provides glimpses of spices, floral garlands, gold and fabrics.

Stroll to the Tekka Centre, a landmark building which houses a hawker centre, wet market and custom tailor shops. Or search for a bargain at the Mustafa Centre.

Head east to discover the Malay-Arab quarter of Kampong Glam, originally settled by Arabs, the Bugis, Javanese, Boyanese and people from the Riau Islands. Still a centre for bargains (with a particular focus on fabrics and crafts), the area also boasts fashion and style clout, with new restaurants, antique shops and boutiques popping up in the former shop houses.

The fashion strip is broken by a clutch of parks, a palace, some sidewalk cafes, the shophouses of Peranakan Place and the Baroque-style terraces of Emerald Hill.

Tanglin Road has a more relaxed pace, with fancy cafes, restaurants, antiques and homewares, and the tropical Botanic Gardens.

Sentosa & Singapore surrounds

Once a pirate refuge and a military forest, SentosaOpens external site in a new window is now Singapore’s playground island full of beaches, family attractions and Asia’s own Universal Studios, as well as resort hotels, beach bars and even sky diving. Alongside a year-round calendar of events, the 'State of Fun' is also home to walking trails and nature enclosures for those seeking a little peace and tranquillity.

To the south of the city, Southern Singapore is where the busy Port of Singapore is located and is the gateway to Sentosa.

Western Singapore is the industrial zone which has green spaces and theme parks.

Over on the east coast, Geylang Serai has a Malay history and culture; while Katong has a Peranakan and Eurasian identity. The East Coast Park is a drawcard for watersports, while Pulau Ubin and the Changi Village make popular excursions from the city.

Quick facts

Currency

Singapore Dollar (S$)

Electricity

220-240V / 50 Hz

Population

5,400,000

Seasons

Steamy Singapore is generally warm all year around. It can be wet from November to January. Temperatures remain at a consistent 30°C during the day almost all of the time and it stays mild well into the evening.

Getting around

From the airport

The complimentary Sky-Train operates between Terminals 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. When you’re ready to leave the Butterfly gardens and The Slide behind, you can get into town by taxi, MRT train, shuttle bus or a convenient private transferOpens external site in a new window.

In and around the city

Singapore has an excellent network of transportation options. The buses are effective and the MRT, the local subway network, is a fast way to get around the city and to most of Singapore’s key attractions. There are plenty of taxis too.

Singapore car hire

If you’re planning a trip outside the city book a car with Avis, Budget, Hertz or Thrifty with no booking fees.

Other destinations

Bangkok

Shanghai

Important Information

Disclaimer: ^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.

** Prices are per room, per night and vary depending on date of check in, length of stay and room type. Conditions apply.